NATIONWIDE

Kyle Busch stole the pole from Kelly Bires in qualifying. Busch earned his 15th pole in the Nationwide Series with a speed of 155.246 miles per hour. This is Busch's fourth pole of the year, and 18th top-ten start.

Bires who has yet to earn a pole position, would go on to be the monster's first victim in that race. Without warning, Bires lost a left front tire tossing his car in turn three. Bryan Clauson, the fastest qualifying rookie also felt the wrath of the monster. Clauson's machine had assistance into the wall coming out of turn four.

Points leader Clint Bowyer was the victim of pit road madness. Simply put, too many people all trying for the same piece of real estate, and this time it wasn't for sale. Carl Edwards was also involved in the same incident. And although the two have tangled before, in this circumstance Bowyer was at fault. On a skinny pit road where the speed limit is enforced, Bowyer should not have been on the outside of Edwards.

When David Reutimann left his pit, Edwards was forced over, pinching Bowyer into the outside pit road wall. Bowyer's machine suffered damage to both sides, while Edwards has right side rear panel damage. Clint Bowyer maintains the point lead, with Edwards in tow.

Kyle Busch gave another dominating performance on the Monster Mile. Busch will be back in the NO. 18 in two weeks at Talladega Superspeedway.. He sits 549 points behind the points leader in seventh. This is his 19th race win across all three touring series in 2008.

POLITICS

Outside the main gate to the racetrack, a young lady passes out bumper stickers. "Racing for McCain!" She is met by both supporters and non-supporters. The political stage is not at the racetrack. Unfortunately, large audiences gain the attention. It is not to say, that politics aren't being discussed.

According to Jeff Burton, the topic of politics comes up a lot. "The politicians make the laws and the rules that impact us as a sport and of course as individuals, so it comes up a lot," Burton began. "I would like to think that we make our decisions based on what's best for us as individuals and what's best for our country."

ECONOMY

The economic pinch that race fans are feeling in their gas tanks and wallets, is also being felt by team owners. There is a disproportionate shift of power. High dollar sponsors are searching for high performance teams. Put simply, they want more bang for their buck. It is no surprise with the economic turndown that some are pulling their money from the advertising budget. The sponsors are having a bigger silly season than the drivers.

In our economic state, it leaves the little guy out. "The key for the little guys is to try to find a way to be the big guys, but it's very difficult to do because the there's only forty-three spots," Burton noted. "That's the initial problem, where just anybody can show up and bring race cars, that really doesn't strengthen our sport."

But, the side effects to the economy is more profound. The recent shift in dollars is creating further separation from the multi-car high power teams, and those teams that are barely paying for gas to get to the track. The field is being separated and it could spiral out of control. Case in point, the teams with multi-cars are dominating. Only four race teams are represented in the Chase for the Championship title. And, none of those teams are a Dodge.

Single car teams are slowly becoming outcasts. This may bring the topic of franchising back to the forefront.

"I'm not going to say the f-word," Burton remarked in reference to franchising. "I'm not sure franchising is the right word." Instead, Burton would like to see the top-35 rule expanded to encompass more competitors to guarantee the field.

A guaranteed rule change or franchising could change the sport forever. Only time will tell if NASCAR will need to address this problem.

DRUG TESTING

The NASCAR policy on substance abuse has been amended following Ron Hornaday's recent incident. The newly updated testing policy basically states the whether legal or illegal, NASCAR will not tolerate substance abuse.

The policy further noted that a one-time offense or three violations may cause a lifetime ban from the sport.

NASCAR has hired an independent organization to perform the testing and monitor all competitors, over-the-wall crew members and officials for all three touring series. The baseline for the new program will begin with preseason testing at the Daytona practice sessions.

ANNIVERSARY

Richard Petty celebrates fifty years as a part of NASCAR. He became the second man to receive a marquee plaque on the newly created Monster Monument at Victory Plaza presented by AAA. Race Fans were afforded the opportunity to ask the King questions pertaining to his 35 year reign in racing.

The dedication was followed by an autograph session that had over 1,000 fans lined up for their moment with the King.

Petty becomes the second man to be honored, joining Bobby Allison on the monument. The concrete monster monument was unveiled in May.

Dover International Speedway is in preparation for their 40th anniversary. The track will mark its accomplishment with the June 2009 race.

CAMPING WORLD

Just another Friday night at the races for Aric Almirola. The young Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver took home top honors in the Camping World Series event, formerly know as the Busch East Series.

In that same event, Matt Kobyluck secured the title of champion with one race left in the season.